Although it was a close game for Missouri Southern, the Lions could not come away with a victory over the Southwest Baptist University Bearcats.

On Feb. 12, the Bearcats defeated the Lions 74-71.

SBU would take a 20-9 lead over Southern in the first 7:21 of the game. Southern would continue to stay behind until 1:33 left before halftime.

At that point, the Lions would hit a 13-0 run for the rest of the first half. The run would last for 48 seconds into the second half.

The Bearcats would end the first half ahead of Southern by two points with a score of 38-36.

However, after that Southwest Baptist would take the lead when Cedric Ousley, senior guard, shot a three-pointer to put them in the lead. Southern would tie the game three times, but they were never able to lead in points for the rest of the game.

“We knew it would be a tough game,” said Robert Corn, head coach for the men’s basketball team.

“We couldn’t get the big defensive stops or shoot the basket we had in the second half.”

Orestus Cavness, senior forward, was the lead scorer for the Lions with a total of 20 points for the game.

This is the 13th time Cavness has led in points.

Hiram Ocasio, senior guard, scored a total of 18 points, completed seven rebounds and had five steals.

“We’re doing a better job taking care of the ball,” Corn said. “This game we had more assists than turnovers. I feel that was a positive.”

Southern had a total of 17 assists with only 16 turnovers compared to Southwest Baptist, who had a total of 26 turnovers for the game.

Southern also had a little more than 54 percent for their free throws and 41.3 percent for the field goals.

The Lions currently stand 5-10 for the MIAA conference and 9-17 overall.

Southern lost at the CMSU Jennies 92-64 Feb. 16.

The Lion’s next game will be against Northwest Missouri State University on Saturday Feb. 19.

Tip-off will be at 3:30 p.m. in Maryville.